Key Takeaways from Freight Pulse 82: A Positive (If Not Entirely Convincing) Picture

Research evidence excerpt

Key Takeaways from Freight Pulse 82: A Positive (If Not Entirely Convincing) Picture

Foundation

July 6, 2026 05:00 AM GMT

Morgan Stanley & Co. LLCMFreight Transportation | North America Ravi Shanker

Equity Analyst

Key Takeaways from Freight Ravi.Shanker@morganstanley.comNancy Hipp +1 212 761-6350

Research Associate

Nancy.Hipp@morganstanley.com +1 212 761-1311

Pulse 82: A Positive (If Not Madison J Pasterchick

Madison.Pasterchick@morganstanley.com +1 212 761-3787

Entirely Convincing) Picture

Freight Transportation

North America

Our latest Shipper Survey showed Shipper sentiment improving Industry View In-Line

but also some signs that they may still be holding back on

putting pedal to metal. This is understandable given ongoing

macro uncertainty, but the market will be hoping for more

decisive action as the coast keeps clearing.

Key Takeaways

Shipper confidence improved, but inventory plans remain cautious amid ongoing

uncertainty.

Shippers expect broad freight market tightening, led by truckload capacity.

Rail is gaining share from Truck, pointing to a supply-driven rather than demand-

driven market.

Trucking outlook strengthened with higher volume, pricing, and tightness

expectations.

Parcel carriers appear to be prioritizing pricing, contributing to weaker volume

For a complete analysis of the survey results and all charts, please refer to

Freight Pulse 82: A Positive (If Not Entirely Convincing) Picture

Our latest quarterly Freight Pulse 82 paints a positive, if not entirely convincing

picture. On the positive side, Shipper outlook on the overall economy bumped up

to the LT average at 5.7, the highest level since 1Q22 and inventory flipped to net

ordering, also the highest level since 1Q22. Together with supply side catalysts,